The juxtaposition between comfortable and constrained diction shows Louise’s conflicting emotions, thus emphasizing her internal conflict, illustrating the disorientation that occurs when habituated repression disappears. After hearing about the death of her husband, Louise stands in her room “facing the open window,” and gazing at the “comfortable, roomy armchair.” The word choice of, “open,” which is repeated throughout the story, is first used in this line, and by attaching the phrase with, “roomy,” the author establishes Louise’s first unknowing experience of freedom; where her mind and soul are no longer cluttered with constrainment, but unclosed to new possibilities. This is further suggested when “comfortable” is used, implying an ease